International Admissions

International students at Pocklington School in classroom playing a juggling game

A warm welcome to
International Admissions
at Pocklington

International students laughing in the kitchen

We are accustomed to helping our international students become integrated into life in the UK; to how our school day runs, the food, our culture, social activities and expectations. This helps our international students settle into Pocklington School quickly so they can make the most of our first-class academic education and broad range of co-curricular activities.

We are proud to have been welcoming international students to Pocklington School for many years

We know progressing their English language skills is paramount to our international students. The vast majority of our students at Pocklington School are English speakers from the UK. Our international students are immersed in an English-speaking environment which naturally encourages rapid English acquisition. Additional EAL lessons with specialist teachers ensure that our students make excellent progress with this crucial life-skill.

Our international students are committed, eager to learn and often speak several languages. They are valuable members of our community and Pocklington School is a richer place as we benefit and learn much from them.

Most of our students stay with us for several years, thriving in the classroom and enjoying everything our boarding community has to offer. Some do join us for shorter stays of one or two terms.

Courses and options available

Teacher and international student in class looking at a book

EAL

Sixth Form students in the Pocklington Sixth Form centre chatting around a table

Pre A Level

Pocklington School international GCSE student in Physics class

1 Year GCSE

Two Pocklington School International students playing piano together

Short-term

International boarders enjoying an outdoor soft play activity

Boaders' Activity and Co-curricular Programme

Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) department is dedicated to supporting our international students in their acquisition of English; communicative as well as social competence, gradually improving confidence in their spoken and written English. Studying a broad range of subjects improves academic English, subject knowledge and vocabulary.

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We are proud to offer our Pre A level course. A precursor to A levels, this course is designed to prepare students for their future A level studies through intensive lessons in general English, academic English and subject-related vocabulary and skills. English tuition sits alongside their academic studies which can include mathematics, sciences, business studies, drama, music, cookery, art, games and British cultural studies. The latter is an integral part of the course to further immerse students in our British culture.

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We offer a small number of international students the opportunity to join us in Year 11 for the remainder of the GCSE studies, sitting their GCSE exams along with the Year 11 cohort in the Summer term. Pupils can opt to take the number of GCSEs they wish to, subject to examination requirements.

Due to the responsibility that being a Year 11 pupil brings, we seek committed and motivated pupils to take these places - in return, they will be given our first-rate education as well as being supported throughout their year to ensure success on their chosen path. Students studying on our 1-year GCSE programme will be integrated into our existing timetable which can mean some subject restrictions. Once the exam season has concluded pupils can opt to stay until the end of term or depart home.

Our short-term pupils attend Pocklington School for one or two terms, starting at the beginning of the Michaelmas, Lent or Summer term (in September, January or April). Students value all the experiences that being a boarder at Pocklington School brings, as well as making big improvements with their English language skills.

Short-term boarders are offered EAL lessons and are quickly immersed into life in our boarding community, enjoying all the opportunities our longer-term pupils enjoy. We regularly have siblings, friends and family of former pupils joining us for a short-term stay knowing that their stay will also be a memorable one. Short-term pupils will be given a bespoke timetable, accounting for subjects currently being studied, their native language and interests.

In addition to our lunchtime and after-school co-curricular opportunities, there are timetabled evening activities for our boarders during the week. The weekends provide an opportunity for further learning and enjoyment with our Saturday enrichment programme and Sunday trips and activities.

Embracing the wide range of personalities, abilities and nationalities we have at Pocklington School, we have created a termly co-curricular programme that caters for all interests. Pupils choose Physical, Outreach, Creative and Knowledge based activities that can begin, or extend, their interests outside of the classroom.

Co-curricular programme

Saturday Enrichment programme

Boarding trips and activities

Pastoral care at the heart of our approach

International students at Pocklington School are an integral part of our School community. To ensure their continued happiness and wellbeing, all international students have a personal tutor in addition to their form tutor. Our EAL teachers work closely with boarding staff and subject teachers and regularly communicate with students' guardians and families. The EAL department, together with members of our general teaching staff, bring a wealth of skills. They are adept in communication in Chinese, German, French and Spanish, amongst other languages, when required.

A buddy system is used to ensure all our international students settle into school life quickly. Our EAL colleagues take the time to observe academic lessons to support individuals, where needed. All our international students are given feedback on their EAL progress as part of their school report and at parents’ evenings.

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